Articles tagged with Dogs
In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that goalies are more likely to dive right when their team is behind and under time pressure. This bias may be due to biological factors, such as the brain's tendency to go towards the right side.
Researchers analyzed dust samples from 173 homes with a dog to evaluate hypoallergenic breeds. They found no significant differences in allergen levels between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs.
A new study found that preventive use of tocotrienol, a form of natural vitamin E, reduced brain tissue damage and preserved neural connections in dogs after they suffered strokes. The research suggests that this natural supplement may be beneficial for people at high risk of stroke, such as those who have had a previous ministroke.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discover that mutations in the CCDC66 gene are responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of inherited blindness. They also develop a genetic test for diagnosis and predictively breeding in dogs, with potential implications for human patients.
A new study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy reveals that early exposure to pets does not increase the risk of allergies in children. In fact, research found that being exposed to dogs and cats in the first year of life may actually reduce the likelihood of becoming allergic to these animals later in life.
Researchers investigated how dogs respond to human attention, finding that both domestic dogs and wolves can beg for food based on a human's attentiveness. Dogs' ability to follow human actions stems from their willingness to accept humans as social companions and conditioning to follow human movements.
Researchers have identified a novel hepatitis C-like virus in dogs, providing new insights into the origins of the human disease. The discovery offers renewed hope for developing a model system to study HCV's mechanisms and may lead to the development of drugs and vaccines.
A University of Washington psychologist argues that humans need exposure to the natural world for physical and psychological well-being. Studies show that technological substitutes for nature are better than none but not as good as real outdoors.
A study suggests that animal-assisted therapy can decrease patient anxiety in the pre-MRI setting, potentially reducing the need for anti-anxiety medications. The research, conducted at Monmouth Medical Center, involved 28 patients who interacted with a certified therapy dog before undergoing MRI scans.
Researchers at Indiana University found significant levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of pet dogs, with average concentrations about five to ten times higher than those found in humans. The study suggests that dogs may serve as 'biosentinels' for monitoring human exposure to flame retardants.
A University of Georgia study analyzed nearly 75,000 dog deaths over 20 years, identifying breed-specific risks and patterns. The research highlights the importance of anticipating potential health issues to manage wellness, particularly for rare breeds like the Bouvier des Flandres.
Researchers at MU discovered the same gene mutation found in Tibetian Terrier dogs also causes a fatal human neurological disorder related to Parkinson's disease. DNA tests can now identify affected dogs and potentially develop therapies.
Researchers at North Carolina State University used a genetic model of dogs to identify genes involved in human non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study found that only a few genes were shared between dogs and humans, suggesting that the genetic changes associated with the cancer are much less complex in canines.
A three-month-old female French bulldog was found to have cryptorchid testicles and a large clitoris, revealing the first ever genetic alteration in this breed. The puppy underwent surgical sterilisation to prevent medical complications.
Hot dogs and deli meats have low levels of carcinogenic compounds, while bacon and rotisserie chicken contain higher amounts. Chicken skin is particularly high in HCA levels due to its lower moisture content.
Researchers found a genetic link between Shar-Pei dogs' characteristic wrinkled skin and periodic fever disorder. The mutation is caused by an over-activation of the hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene, leading to excessive hyaluronan production.
A Michigan State University researcher shows people who own and walk their dogs were 34% more likely to meet federal physical activity benchmarks. Dog walkers also had higher overall levels of moderate and vigorous physical activities.
Mental health responders to the Continental Flight 3407 disaster share key successes and areas for improvement in disaster response planning. Clear relationships among responders, long-lasting mental health referrals, and efficient communication are highlighted as critical components of effective emergency preparedness.
A team of investigators has identified a new candidate gene for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of eye disorder. The gene, ADAMTS10, is involved in processing extracellular matrix and may play a role in regulating aqueous humor outflow.
The BTER Foundation has awarded six individuals for their contributions to biotherapy, a field that uses living organisms to aid healthcare. The award recipients include researchers, educators, and advocates who have promoted maggot therapy and other biotherapeutic disciplines.
Anthropologists at University of Toronto discover earliest cemetery in the Middle East, with graves containing human remains and those of a red fox. The discovery suggests that humans may have kept foxes as pets or had early attempts to tame them, but no successful domestication.
A UC Davis study found that detection dog teams were more likely to alert to scents in rooms indicated by human cues, such as construction paper. The researchers suggest that subtle handler cues may be influencing the dogs' behavior, similar to the 'Clever Hans' effect seen in horses.
Research reveals dogs can detect specific odors in breath and stool samples with 95% accuracy for breath test and 98% accuracy for stool test. This method could lead to developing non-invasive tests for early stage bowel cancer detection.
A contagious cancer found in dogs, wolves, and coyotes can repair its genetic mutations by adopting genes from its host animal. The cancer steals tiny DNA-containing powerhouses called mitochondria from infected cells to incorporate as its own.
Researchers trained dogs to detect scat from various species, showing they can accurately locate targets at distances of up to 33 feet. Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and precipitation influenced detection rates, highlighting the need for standardized survey conditions.
A Tel Aviv University scientist has developed a small, portable sensor that can detect multiple kinds of explosives with unprecedented reliability and efficiency. The sensor, which uses nanotechnology advances, is more sensitive and reliable than any sniffer dog and can detect explosives at a distance.
A new Université de Montreal study found that trained service dogs can significantly reduce stress hormone levels in autistic children, from an average of 33 problematic behaviors to just 25. The dogs also improved socialization skills and overall well-being for the children.
A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.
Friesen's research found that her literacy dogs, Tango and Sparky, helped Grade 2 students overcome reading trepidation and develop a love for literature. The program improved children's reading behaviors, increased their confidence, and motivated them to read at home.
Children with dog allergies who own a dog before age 1 are less likely to develop eczema by age 4, while cat ownership increases the risk among those allergic to cats. The study suggests parents consider pet choice when caring for at-risk children.
A new study by MIT neuroscientists suggests that the brain learns to solve object recognition through experience in the natural world. Researchers exposed monkeys to altered visual stimuli, which led to changes in neural activity and object preferences.
The new TimeTree application provides a sophisticated means of mining scientific knowledge, answering questions about species divergence and phylogeny. The app uses a vast Internet storehouse of data about the diversity of life, from bacteria to humans.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new target for cancer therapy in dogs and tested a compound that arrested tumor growth and induced partial remission. The study suggests that the treatment could be effective and safe, potentially adding to existing lymphoma treatments.
A recent University of Pennsylvania study compares two hip screening methods and finds that traditional scoring underestimates a dog's susceptibility to osteoarthritis. The PennHIP method suggests that even 'excellent' hips may be at risk for hip dysplasia, with some breeds facing a high risk of up to 100% susceptible progeny.
Researchers have found that walking uphill and using obstacles can improve flexibility in arthritic dogs' joints, while walking downhill offers little therapeutic benefit.
A team of researchers discovered a gene responsible for a rare and fatal disease in American Staffordshire terriers. The same gene is believed to cause a similar disease in humans. Genetic analysis led to the identification of an entirely new mutation, which can be tested in human samples to determine its connection to Kufs' disease.
Scientists have trained mice to identify infected duck feces, which could lead to development of disease-detecting dogs and lab instruments. This breakthrough may enable early warning systems for influenza and other diseases.
A study by David Blouin found that people who think of animals as children tend to have a city background, while those in rural areas may view pets as just another animal. Having children often changes owners' thoughts on their pets.
Researchers have identified a small number of genetic regions responsible for dogs' physical traits, which may hold clues to understanding human biomedical traits. The study found that only six or seven locations in the dog genome determine about 80 percent of differences in height and weight among breeds.
Researchers developed a proof-of-concept system that removes pedestrians from urban scenes in Google Street View, exploring how computer vision can preserve privacy in public environments. The system replaces pedestrians with an approximation of the actual background behind each pedestrian.
Researchers found that short-snouted dog breeds have rotating brains up to 15 degrees, while the olfactory lobe has relocated, affecting smell perception. The study highlights unique plasticity in the canine genome due to human intervention through breeding.
Researchers have successfully used a continuous glucose monitoring device to treat dogs with diabetes, providing greater monitoring capabilities and alleviating the need for multiple blood samples. The device, commonly used in human diabetes treatment, helps veterinarians determine proper insulin dosages and manage diet-related factors.
Researchers identified the genetic contributions of various breeds to Alaskan sled dogs' performance. The study found that Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky traits are associated with enhanced endurance, while Pointer and Saluki contribute to speed, and Anatolian Shepherd improves work ethic.
Researchers found that clopidogrel significantly inhibits platelet function in healthy dogs, with no adverse effects. The study suggests clopidogrel may be a safe and effective treatment for dogs at risk of thromboembolic disease, offering an alternative to NSAIDs.
Chagas disease affects 10-12 million people in Latin America, killing 15,000 annually. Dogs can spread the disease and may help control it by acting as sentinels for health officials.
Researchers found that saber-toothed cat forelimbs were stronger than those of modern felines, with thicker cortical bone and larger diameters, suggesting they used their arms to pin prey before delivering a fatal bite.
The Dogslife study aims to assess how diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors affect an animal's susceptibility to disease. Owners of 10000+ Labrador puppies will provide regular updates on their dog's life, health, and environment.
Scientists studied 3-legged dog movement techniques to develop robots that can adjust to injuries. Dogs with fore-limb amputations used 'compensation strategies' to walk and run, while those with hind-limb amputations showed little adjustment. This research aims to improve robot efficiency and usability.
Researchers are analyzing five cancers in dogs, including histiocytic sarcomas, to identify genetic changes and potential treatments for humans. The study aims to develop targeted therapies by analyzing the gene makeup of purebred dogs with specific breeds being affected by certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that certain 'multitasking' neurons in monkeys' brains are best at making correct identifications in both car and animal categories. This ability to 'multitask' allows the brain to re-utilize neurons for different tasks, potentially leading to a better understanding of disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
A man and his two Great Pyrenees embark on a 2,000-mile walk to raise awareness about cancer in dogs while collecting DNA samples for a new $5.3 million canine cancer project. The TGen-VARI program aims to discover the causes of cancer in dogs and potentially translate findings to humans.
African wild dog populations decline due to domestic dogs' presence, illustrating the impact of human behavior on disease transmission. Human behavior, such as range differences and animal husbandry practices, shapes disease risk and is a key driver of emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers at Penn University successfully used gene therapy to restore retinal cone function and day vision in canines with inherited day blindness. The treatment was effective for younger dogs and held promise for future clinical trials.
A TGen and VARI program is studying naturally occurring cancers in dogs to better understand the causes of disease and develop new treatments. The goal is to translate knowledge into therapeutics that can help both humans and animals, with a focus on rare sarcomas and osteosarcoma.
A comprehensive study documents American industry's water usage, revealing that most water is used indirectly in processing such as packaging and shipping food crops. The study estimates water use among over 400 industry sectors, with surprising amounts required for common products like sugar, dog and cat food, and milk.
Researchers analyzed over 900 dogs and 200 wild gray wolves worldwide, finding that modern dogs share more genetic similarity with Middle Eastern gray wolves than other wolf populations. The study's findings contradict previous research suggesting an East Asian origin for dogs.
A new therapy has been found to prevent severe cardiac injury and ventricular dilatation in dogs with muscular dystrophy. The treatment, which involves chronic infusion of a membrane-sealing agent, restores the compliance of heart muscles from dystrophic dogs to normal.
Researchers have identified unique features of the dog genome that enable genetic studies, highlighting breeds as a model for understanding genomic mechanisms. The study shows how genetic mechanisms may control breed-defining traits, such as short legs and skeletal size.
Researchers at UAB are testing a software program designed to teach children safe dog interaction behaviors. The Blue Dog software aims to reduce accidental bites from pet dogs, particularly among children ages 5-9.
Researchers found that the IGF1 gene variant responsible for small size in dogs is closely related to that found in Middle Eastern wolves, supporting an ancient origin. The study also suggests that smaller body size may have been desirable in densely populated agricultural societies where dogs lived indoors or in confined spaces.